Another Newby !!

**Rctintin** · Nov 8, 2015, 06:38 PM

Hi guys (and girls), just a quick introduction of myself.

I'm a keen model engineer, and own a Myford ML7 and a Downham mini borer/mill.

The ML7 is under going conversion to being CNC controlled. At this stage I am just going to use the ELS (Electronic Lead Screw) for control for machining threads in any pitch/form I choose. This is because it removes the need for a gearbox, or change wheels, but instead uses the pulse of the headstock speed to drive the lead screw at the appropriate speed.

I hope to find so useful projects on this forum, as I love to build/make my own kit when I can.

Cheers for now, Rob.

**Jon** · Nov 8, 2015, 07:44 PM

Hi Rctintin - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

So what's first up on your project list after the conversion?

**Rctintin** · Nov 9, 2015, 03:25 AM

I want to build a small tool post grinder, so guess that's my next project.

The thing I want to build is working IC Engines. A nice open pushrod radial sounds fun!!

**kbalch** · Nov 9, 2015, 11:42 AM

Hi Rctintin,

Welcome!

I've spent plenty of hours flying behind radials (mostly the P&W R1340) and have always loved them. I'm really looking forward to seeing photos of your project, so get to work!

Ken

**Rctintin** · Nov 9, 2015, 03:22 PM

Thanks Ken, but don't hold your breath!! As a small business owner, I'm luckily flat out with not a lot of spare time, plus being a father of 2 small daughters, that's even more time used up lol.

Your very lucky to have flown behind radials! One of my passions is flying, and on my bucket list is obtaining my own PPL.

Small steps hey!!

**kbalch** · Nov 9, 2015, 03:35 PM

If flying is your passion, you'll find a way to get it done. I've been obsessed with aviation and space since I was a toddler and pursued my PP-ASEL as soon as I was on my own after college. I always made it a point to participate in a range of aviation activities (each requiring a different skill set) conducted in as wide a variety of aircraft types as I could manage. My first course of action (within a week or so) after earning my PPL was my high performance, complex, and tailwheel signoffs followed by my first basic aerobatics course. Hard to believe it's been a quarter of a century!!

In short, I put myself into warbirds (gratuitous pic attached of yours truly with a T-6 in which I instructed for a time) and you can, too! If you'd ever care for some advice from an impartial CFI with a sport aviation background, please do feel free to PM me anytime.

Ken

**Rctintin** · Nov 9, 2015, 04:17 PM

Wow, I bet that was fun flying her!! I'd imagen that was a narrow FOV looking out around that shield while taxiing!!

A good friend of mine was chief instructor at our local school, he has taken me up for rolls, spins, loops, stalls etc, I love it. He now flys a Cessna Caravan for his job, 600odd SHP, that thing really pulls hard lol. One day I will be up there on my own

**kbalch** · Nov 10, 2015, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by Rctintin

Wow, I bet that was fun flying her!! I'd imagen that was a narrow FOV looking out around that shield while taxiing!!

The view forward from the front seat in a T-6 isn't terrible, though the rear seat view (where the instructor sits) is non-existent with the tailwheel on the ground and S-turning across the taxiway is absolutely essential.

The T-6 is a great airplane. It's a beast (controls wouldn't be out of place in a 1930s boiler room), but completely honest - it'll do exactly what you tell it to do, every time. That's both the best and the worst of it. Most modern pilots, who've been trained in planes that've had their worst traits engineered out (and have no idea what to do with their feet), have a significant learning curve to negotiate.

The reward for mastering the Texan, though, is the feel of beautifully harmonized controls. Smooth, powerful, and graceful. Also, it'll set one up nicely for transitioning to the big piston fighters…

Ken